John Stones backs Everton team-mate Tom Cleverley for England recall

England defender John Stones has backed Everton team-mate Tom Cleverley to return to the international fold.

The 26-year-old midfielder won the last of his 13 senior England caps in a friendly against Germany in November 2013 during his Manchester United days.

However, having rebuilt his career at Goodison Park, Cleverley has earned the right to be considered once again as national boss Roy Hodgson assesses his options for next summer's Euro 2016 finals, according to Stones.

Speaking to evertontv, Stones said: "I know as players you're biased to your own team-mates, but I think it's only right that I speak on behalf of a lot of the lads in our dressing room when I say Tom should be in the England squad - on current form at least.

"He's playing terrifically well. Sometimes players don't get too many chances to get back into the squad, but I'm sure he would be delighted to."

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Stones' comments came after Cleverley snatched a 1-0 Premier League victory for his team with the final touch of the game at Newcastle on Boxing Day.

The midfielder's looping 93rd-minute header handed the Toffees a deserved victory, but one which did not look to be coming their way as the Magpies defended stubbornly to take themselves within seconds of a draw, and in the process cemented his status within the squad following his summer switch to Merseyside.

Stones said: "It took a lifetime to go in but thankfully it got there in the end!

"He feels like an Everton player. He loves everything about the club - the training, the fans - and he's just fitted in so well. He's a great lad and the goal should top that off for Christmas."